Abstract: The present invention provides a transmissibility shaping control for active suspension systems. The T-shaping control is a combination of several sub-strategies using the dynamic information in the frequency domain. Each strategy works dominantly in a certain frequency range to achieve a desirable transmissibility for better suspension performance in the corresponding frequency range. Different sub-strategies for different frequency ranges include stiffness control, skyhook control, groundhook control, and various damping levels. In addition, an embodiment is provided utilizing tunable compressible fluid struts in an active vehicle suspension.

Abstract: Suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed and claimed. The suspension system includes a compressible fluid, a suspension strut, a hydraulic cavity, a reservoir, and a volume modulator. The hydraulic cavity is at least partially defined by the suspension strut and is adapted to contain a portion of the compressible fluid. The hydraulic cavity and the compressible fluid supply a suspending spring force that biases a wheel of a vehicle toward the road surface. The volume modulator selectively pushes the compressible fluid into the hydraulic cavity and vents the compressible fluid from the hydraulic cavity, thereby actively modulating the suspending spring force.

Abstract: A suspension strut (10) for a vehicle including a compressible fluid (20), a hydraulic tube (22,22?) and displacement rod (24) adapted to cooperate with the compressible fluid (20) to supply a suspending spring force that biases the wheel toward the surface, a cavity piston (26,26?) separating the inner cavity (30) into a first section (32) and a second section (34) and defining a first orifice (36) adapted to allow flow of the compressible fluid (20) between the first section (32) and the second section (34) of the inner cavity (30), and a first variable restrictor (28) adapted to variably restrict the passage of the compressible fluid (20) through the first orifice (36) based on the velocity of the cavity piston (26,26?) to the hydraulic tube (22,22?).

Abstract: Suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed and claimed. The suspension system includes a compressible fluid, a suspension strut, a hydraulic cavity, a reservoir, and a volume modulator. The hydraulic cavity is at least partially defined by the suspension strut and is adapted to contain a portion of the compressible fluid. The hydraulic cavity and the compressible fluid supply a suspending spring force that biases a wheel of a vehicle toward the road surface. The volume modulator selectively pushes the compressible fluid into the hydraulic cavity and vents the compressible fluid from the hydraulic cavity, thereby modulating the suspending spring force.

Abstract: The suspension strut of an embodiment of the invention includes a compressible fluid, a sleeve structure, a hydraulic tube adapted to contain a portion of the compressible fluid, a displacement rod and cavity piston coupled to the sleeve and adapted to move into the hydraulic tube upon the compression movement of the wheel and to move out of the hydraulic tube upon the rebound movement of the wheel, and a hydraulic seal located between the hydraulic tube and the displacement rod. The hydraulic tube defines a hydraulic cavity adapted to contain a portion of the compressible fluid and to cooperate with the compressible fluid to supply a suspending spring force that biases the wheel toward the surface.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid actuated damper. At least a first and a second cylinder with the first cylinder positioned axially within the second cylinder are provided. A gap is formed between the cylinders. The second cylinder is mounted to a stationary mount of the vehicle chassis and a control arm is mounted at an end of the first cylinder. The first cylinder is mounted on bearings to allow it to rotate relative to the chassis. The gap between the cylinders contains a magnetorheological fluid having an adjustable viscosity in reaction to the application of a magnetic field. A magnetic field is generated over the fluid in the gap.

Abstract: An efficient method of supplying a first series of suspension struts for a first vehicle and a second series of suspension struts for a second vehicle. The method includes providing a first series of pressure vessels for the first vehicle and a second series of pressure vessels for the second vehicle. Each pressure vessel defines an outer cavity with an effective fluid volume. The effective fluid volume of the pressure vessels of the first series is smaller than the effective fluid volume of the pressure vessels of the second series. The method also includes providing a series of hydraulic tubes for the first vehicle and for the second vehicle, wherein each hydraulic tube is adapted to be located within the outer cavity of the pressure vessel of the first series and alternatively within the outer cavity of the pressure vessel of the second series.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid actuated damper. At least a first and a second cylinder with the first cylinder positioned axially within the second cylinder are provided. A gap is formed between the cylinders. The second cylinder is mounted to a stationary mount of the vehicle chassis and a control arm is mounted at an end of the first cylinder. The first cylinder is mounted on bearings to allow it to rotate relative to the chassis. The gap between the cylinders contains a magnetorheological fluid having an adjustable viscosity in reaction to the application of a magnetic field. A magnetic field is generated over the fluid in the gap.

Abstract: Suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed and claimed. The suspension system includes a compressible fluid, a suspension strut, a hydraulic cavity, a reservoir, and a volume modulator. The hydraulic cavity is at least partially defined by the suspension strut and is adapted to contain a portion of the compressible fluid. The hydraulic cavity and the compressible fluid supply a suspending spring force that biases a wheel of a vehicle toward the road surface. The volume modulator selectively pushes the compressible fluid into the hydraulic cavity and vents the compressible fluid from the hydraulic cavity, thereby modulating the suspending spring force.